Register your number here to receive alerts during an emergency.

County Executive Leopold Announces Preservation of 180 Acres in South River Greenway

Moves closer to goal of 1,100 contiguous acres

Annapolis (December 28, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold today announced that the County is one step closer to acquiring 1,100 contiguous acres in the South River Greenway with the acquisition of 180 acres of forest and streams on three parcels of land.

"Protecting the headwaters of the South River represents this Administration’s priority conservation initiative." County Executive Leopold said. "These purchases prevent incompatible development in sensitive forests, connect existing parkland and provide improved public access."

The 67-acre Piera property went to settlement on December 21. The 73-acre Green property settled on November 17. Forty acres of floodplain were recently transferred to the Department of Recreation and Parks inventory. Maryland Program Open Space funds were used for the land purchases.

These additional 180 acres expand the County’s Bacon Ridge Natural Area in the South River Greenway to 306 acres. With the pending settlement of another 120 acres and conveyance of the 546-acre Crownsville property planned for 2010, the County is moving closer to achieving its goal.

The headwaters of the South River lie in the heart of Anne Arundel County. The South River Greenway contains the largest tract of unbroken forest in the County, providing critical habitat for forest birds and rare, threatened and endangered plants.

"The Scenic Rivers Land Trust applauds Anne Arundel County and County Executive Leopold for preserving additional parkland and protecting the South River," said Alyssa Domzal, Greenways Coordinator for the Scenic Rivers Land Trust. "This is a big win for the environment and secures land for the enjoyment of current and future generations."